The ball of the foot has a pad of fat that acts as a shock absorber between the bone and the ground we walk on. As we age, a condition medically deemed, “plantar fat pad atrophy,” causes the fat pad to decline in effectiveness, which means that the cushion for our shoes grows thin. Fortunately, a procedure that uses RADIESSE biocompatible, non-toxic, non-allergenic filler can be performed to restore volume and cushioning to protect the bones and the underlying soft tissues.
Normally when we walk, our weight is evenly distributed to the entire sole of the foot. However, because most of us are slaves to fashion, (ladies) if we decide to strap on a stylish, high-heeled shoe, suddenly that weight bears solely on the ball of the foot, accelerating the damage. Occasionally, high-heels can lead to fractures and soft tissue injuries, but most of the time the pain stems from a loss of natural padding and/or the shift in this padding coupled with the increased pressure placed on the metatarsal heads.
Although there are conservative treatment options, such as wearing custom orthotics with metatarsal pads, they typically aren’t ideal for a high-heeled shoe. This is where RADIESSE becomes beneficial. RADIESSE is a dermal filler that is safely injected into the areas of the pain under local anesthesia without incisions. Once placed, the filler works to add volume under the skin and over time, the benefits continue by stimulating your body’s own natural collagen which further increases the cushioning.
The procedure can be described in three steps:
- Step One: Antiseptic is applied and the doctor may select one or more injection points for each location to be treated.
- Step Two: The doctor will identify the correct amount of RADIESSE for the procedure.
- Step Three: The RADIESSE filler is then injected beneath the skin, under the dermis and subcutis layer.
Once complete, there may be minimal swelling, but this will subside in 26-36 hours. If you are experiencing discomfort or bruising, these side effects can be managed with medication. After making a full recovery, you are guaranteed hit the dancefloor pain-free, but it’s not recommended to wear six-inch stilettos on a daily basis.